Offensive alignments are usually titled numerically; the first number refers to the number of players who serve primarily as attackers, the second number referring to the number of players serving primarily as setters.  The 4-2 offense has four attackers and two setters. The two setters are in positions opposite each other, when the front row setter is in the center, the back row setter is the center back. The 4-2 is considered a simple offense because one of the two setters is always one of the front row players. The graphics below illustrate the serve reception positions of the players when the setter is in each of the three front row positions. The red lines in each graphic indicate the problem areas of overlap when the setter is not in the center position. When the setter is in the right forward position, the setter must be to the right of the center forward player and that player must be closer to the net than the center back player.

The International 4 - 2 offensive is slightly different in that the setter assumes the right front position, allowing for both hitters (if they are right-handed), to hit on-hand. The International 4 - 2 places the setter in the position of the blocker against the opposing teams strong side attacker, which could be a disadvantage if the setter is not a capable blocker.